MossTalk Words 2

What is MossTalk Words 2?

MossTalk Words 2 is an evidence-based computer-assisted treatment program developed for individuals with aphasia. A successor to an earlier version of MossTalk Words, it focuses on strengthening the understanding and production of single words, using a simple, intuitive, adult-oriented interface.

The program contains modules for auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, and word retrieval in one easy-to-use program.

MossTalk Words 2 includes an optional speech recognition feature, which makes it possible for the software to determine and record the accuracy of a spoken response and provide automatic feedback when a picture is named correctly.

Independent home users who would benefit from hours of practice in comprehending and producing words, phrases and sentences.

How is MossTalk Words organized?

Multi-Modality Matching Module. A series of exercises to facilitate lexical comprehension and vocabulary development (using pictures, spoken or printed words). Types of matching exercises include: picture to pictures; written word to pictures; spoken word to pictures; spoken word to written words.

Cued Naming Module. A series of exercises to facilitate single word production (using a hierarchy of spoken and written cues). Vocabulary can be selected based on category (e.g., food, clothing), part of speech (noun, verb) and/or linguistic characteristics (e.g., frequency, semantic relatedness).

Core vocabulary Module. A series of matching and naming exercises for the more severely impaired user, featuring a restricted vocabulary of words with high functional significance.

Each of these modules can be accessed through user-friendly interfaces.

What are some of MossTalk Words special features?

Vocabulary of more than 400 words

Hundreds of exercises and activities

Pre-established hierarchy of exercises in each module

Customizable to match a disability type and level

Optional Speech Recognition feature

Multi-modality cueing and feedback

Automated record keeping

Natural sounding speech

Adult-oriented, realistic photographs

System requirements:

Windows XP, Vista or 7. (MossTalk hasn’t been fully tested on Windows 8; however, there are no known issues with Windows 8 at this point. We welcome feedback on Windows 8 usage)

Internet Explorer version 6 or higher.

Screen resolution of 1024×768.

To use speech recognition you need the following:

Speakers or headset

Microphone (USB recommended)

UPGRADE NOTICE:

Speech recognition functionality added.

Updated User’s Guide.

Software contents:

This version contains the 2.0 MossTalk Words program for Windows, and will also automatically install full versions of these software packages:

Java 5.17 JS2E Runtime Environment

Java 6.18

Speech Add-in 1.0 for Microsoft Internet Explorer

Downloading instructions:

Download the files named “MTW2 Quickstart manual.pdf”, “MTW2 Complete manual.pdf” and the “MTW2 Troubleshooting Guide.pdf” by clicking on the download links below, and selecting SAVE to disk in the download window. DO NOT select Run or Open.

The Quickstart manual provides basic information regarding installing and using the program.

The Complete manual contains detailed instructions (with screenshots) for installing and using the program.

Download the appropriate MossTalk installation file for your operating system (Windows XP, or Window Vista/7). Currently, there is no MossTalk version available for Windows 8. Select SAVE to disk in the download window. DO NOT select Run or Open. A login and password are required to download the installation files.

By downloading the MossTalk Word programs, you are agreeing to not distribute this software to others without express permission by the authors.

Download MossTalk_windows_2_1_3.exe (Windows Vista/7 executable File: 149mb) (MossTalk hasn’t been fully tested on Windows 8; however, there are no known issues with Windows 8 at this point. We welcome feedback on Windows 8 usage)

Download MossTalk_windows_2_1_3XP.exe (Windows XP executable File: 214mb) NOTE: Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP. If you are running this operating system we recommend you upgrade your system to Windows 7.

Double-click the appropriate downloaded file to initiate the MossTalk Words 2.0 installation. Have handy the installation instructions (pp.4-12) you printed out earlier and follow along carefully.

Contact information:

There is no technical support for this free version of MossTalk Words. However, for assistance with downloading MossTalk Words 2.0 contact Nikki Benson-Watlington at BensonWN@einstein.edu.